Waterloo Regional Police laid 19 Impaired Driving Charges During Operation Impact

From October 9, 2020, to October 12, 2020, Waterloo Regional Police took part in Operation Impact. A national public awareness campaign aimed at making Canada’s roads the safest in the world by promoting safe driving behaviours.

The campaign focused on driving behaviours that put road users at risk, including the fatal four offences, such as impaired driving by alcohol, drugs or fatigue, aggressive driving, distracted driving and seat belt compliance.

Members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Traffic Unit and Neighbourhood Patrol engaged with 786 motorists during the Thanksgiving long weekend. As a result, officers laid 19 Impaired Driving charges, which includes 16 Impaired by Alcohol, two refusals and one Impaired by Drug.

Other charges include:

Aggressive Driving

Speeding- 370

Dangerous Drive- 3

Stunt Driving- 2

Other moving violations- 43

Distracted Driving

Hand-held electronic devices- 26

Careless Driving- 9

Seatbelts

Driver without seatbelt- 21

Other seatbelt related charges- 2

Other road safety charges

Including Highway Traffic Act and Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act- 110

Total Charges= 605

“It is disappointing to see that motorists continue to make the decision to drive while impaired,” said Bryan Larkin, Chief of Police. “Road Safety is a top priority for the Waterloo Regional Police Service and our members remain committed to ensuring our roads are kept free from impaired drivers. We want everyone to understand that impaired driving is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.”

In addition to these statistics, a number of collisions were investigated over the Thanksgiving weekend. 14 of these collisions involved an injury or death.

• 2 fatal collisions, resulting in the deaths of three individuals
• 4 collisions where impairment was a factor
• 8 collisions with injuries – 6 of which were caused by a fatal four offence.

12 of these collisions were caused by at least one of the fatal four offences and could have been prevented.

“We all have a role to play in road safety," said Mark Hammer, Acting Staff Sergeant with WRPS Traffic Services Unit. “Driving impaired, along with poor driving decisions, is a choice. It not only puts you at risk but other road users.”

Road safety is everyone's responsibility. Please drive safely - buckle up, slow down, pay attention, drive sober and if you suspect an impaired driver, please call 911.

Operation Impact is organized by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP), under the leadership of the CACP Traffic Safety Committee, in support of Canada’s Road Safety Strategy 2025.

Media Inquiries

Waterloo Regional Police Service
Public Information Unit
519-570-9777 (WRPS) ext. 8188
publicinfo@wrps.on.ca

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